Basketball Highlight Video Guide: What College Coaches Want to See

A basketball recruiting highlight video should be 3-5 minutes, with 7 minutes as the absolute maximum. Coaches review hundreds of videos and typically spend only 30-90 seconds on the first view before deciding whether to continue. Lead with your best plays - the first 15 seconds are crucial to hook the coach's interest.

Point guards should focus on court vision and passing (assist compilation showing various pass types), ball-handling under pressure, pick-and-roll decision-making, transition leadership, three-point shooting, and defensive on-ball pressure. Include clips that show your basketball IQ and ability to run an offense.

Highlights are used for initial evaluation to generate interest and should be sent first. Full game film shows consistency, IQ, and decision-making and is required for serious evaluation. Coaches will request 2-3 full games against quality competition after viewing highlights. Send both - the highlight reel gets attention, game film closes the deal.

Average D1 heights by position: Point Guard 6'1", Shooting Guard 6'4", Small Forward 6'6", Power Forward 6'8", Center 6'10". However, skill can compensate for size at certain positions. Wingspan is increasingly important - D1 programs look for players with wingspan 2-4 inches longer than their height.

For D1, coaches can send recruiting materials starting June 15 after your sophomore year. Phone calls, texts, and off-campus contact are allowed starting September 1 of your junior year. Official visits can begin August 1 before your senior year. D2 and D3 have more flexible rules.

Very important for D1 recruiting - approximately 75% of D1 players come from top AAU circuits. The July live evaluation periods are when D1 coaches evaluate prospects at AAU tournaments like Nike EYBL, Under Armour Association, and Adidas 3SSB events. However, D2 and D3 coaches also recruit from high school games and camps.